Celebrate Final Fantasy VII With Distant Worlds: music from Final Fantasy This September

When it comes to video game music, it’s easy to argue that Final Fantasy tunes rank among the best of the best. The series’ composers have always found ways to expertly craft a song to evoke a wide range of feelings, whether it be an exciting battle theme or a melancholy opera. But as great as this music is in-game, there’s nothing like hearing it live. For over a decade, the Distant Worlds: music from Final Fantasy concert series has masterfully brought your favorite Final Fantasy songs to life. And this September, they could be coming to a town near you.

For the first time in two years, Distant Worlds is stopping in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, September 7th, at 8:00 PM local time. While Distant Worlds has a massive repertoire of songs to pick from, this concert will focus on celebrating Final Fantasy‘s jump to 3D with a tribute to Final Fantasy VII. The performance will take you on an emotional ride with songs like “Opening — Bombing Mission,” “Aerith’s Theme,” and of course, “One-Winged Angel.” What Final Fantasy concert would be complete without what is arguably its most well-known song, after all?

Distant Worlds isn’t just a simple concert, however; it’s more of a fan experience. As the orchestra plays, game clips are projected on a screen above them, giving a visual representation of the songs. Fans cosplay as their favorite characters. And if you’re interested in seeing some of the brilliant performers and composers behind the music, Distant Worlds is a good place to do so. The Phoenix concert has no shortage of special guests. First is RIKKI, an original vocalist for Final Fantasy X, who will be performing the romantic theme, “Suteki da ne” along with the orchestra. Final Fantasy XIV vocalist Susan Calloway will also be making an appearance, performing the game’s main theme, “Answers.”

If Phoenix is a little far from you, maybe Chicago works a bit better. One week later, on Saturday, September 14th, Distant Worlds returns once again to the Windy City, putting on two performances at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM local time, respectively. These concerts are largely the same as the one in Phoenix, with the addition of a third special guest. Final Fantasy XV composer Yoko Shimomura will be in attendance, and to honor this occasion, Distant Worlds will be adding “Apocalypsis Noctis” to the lineup.

For more information on Distant Worlds, as well as for other tour dates, you can check out their website. Information specifically about the Phoenix or Chicago concerts, including how to purchase tickets, can be found here for Phoenix or here for Chicago. For the super fans out there, there’s even a limited number of VIP tickets available which gets you access to a special meet-and-greet with conductor Arnie Roth and the performance’s special guests, where you can get autographs and a photo.

I went to a Distant Worlds concert a few years ago, and I can’t speak highly enough of the talented musicians and hard-working staff who help create such a magical experience. If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy music, you owe it to yourself to attend one of these concerts at some point in your life.

This giveaway will end no sooner than 11:59 PM Eastern on Tuesday, March 12th. So what are you waiting for? Gather your party, saddle up your Chocobos, and join Distant Worlds for a few hours of Final Fantasy magic (no mage needed). Who knows? Maybe you’ll catch me at one as well!

Hey everyone! My name is Steven Rollins and it's a pleasure to be writing here at Gamnesia. I enjoy all sorts of video games, anime series, books, and other forms of entertainment. When I'm not busy with school or writing for Gamnesia, you can probably find me streaming over on Twitch (@ SalmonBuffalo) or making videos for my YouTube channel (Jonven Games)!